Day 14 – Free Day And Packing For Home!!!

My eyes opened at 4am. I knew this was our last full day in China! I waited until 5:30 am and then I made everyone get up and get our day started. NO, I did not have so much to accomplish that I needed to start early! Today was a free day. We had zero plans or appointments! I just wanted to get the day started so we could be closer to home. Honestly, I wanted to start packing but Doug said it was too early. We ate a leisurely breakfast (Yep, eggs and toast again!) and then went to the hotel playground to allow Levi to burn off some of his energy! And boy does he have a lot of energy. Then it was off to catch a taxi. Doug wanted to visit this local plaza that we found last trip. They had the model airplanes that he collects for VERY cheap! This trip did NOT disappoint! He ended up getting his new planes for less than he paid two years ago. We could really make some money if we could buy these planes and sell them in the US! But my husband wants to keep them allJ No shocker for those who know him! I was very happy that he found exactly what he wanted. We left there and headed for Shaiman Island, one last time. On the way our Taxi was hit by a local city bus! We were in a car accident in China! Ready for this…the driver of the Taxi NOR the driver of the bus even stopped! They kept driving. Doug was riding in the front and he was about to panic! The Taxi driver let us out and then drove just a few hundred yards away and finally got out to check his car. Needless to say, we were not injured but I guess it would not have mattered if we had sustained an injury! NO ONE cared! (ONLY in China, my friends!)

Our last few minutes on Shaiman Island made me so sad! Not sure when we will be back, if ever. It’s hard to say goodbye to a place that holds such wonderful memories. I wanted to cry my eyes out, honestly! But my fear of making Levi upset forced me to hold myself together.

We got a bite for lunch/dinner and then headed to the hotel to begin the packing process. Let me be the first to tell you that my husband could fit an elephant in the suitcases if I asked him to. He is an amazing packer! We had so much to bring home…and he made it all fit. It seemed impossible to me but he’s THE MAN!!

So we are packed and ready to come home! We leave here at 6:30 am on 6/6 (China time) and arrive in Charlotte at 9:38pm on 6/6 (US time/Flight UA 3792) I wish I could say that was just one full day of travel but it is actually about 26 hours of travel! Oh joy! My favorite part!

Thank you so much for humoring me and reading about our journey! I am so thankful for all your comments and emails! They have gotten me through the days that I wanted to pack up and leave early! We are so thankful that God chose us to parent DongFang, Kun! He is such a treasure. God’s plan for our lives has been so much richer and fuller that we could have ever anticipated. He alone is to be praised for the miracle of Levi! He will officially be Michael Levi Kun Huber as soon as we land in Chicago.

“The Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

Psalm 118:23

Day 13 – Consulate Appointment/Shaiman Island

We had our Consulate Appointment today! It was so easy but just a little emotional for me. It always get me choked up to think about my babies finally becoming US citizens. Although it will not be official until Levi touches his feet on the ground in the Chicago O’Hare International Airport!

Our guide took us to Pedestrian Street and to the pearl market. We had been to the pearl market two other times so we just walked around with the other families. It still amazes me to see six floors of nothing but pearls and jewelry! It’s CRAZY! It’s too much for me to even begin to make a decision.

When we returned to the hotel we jumped in a cab and headed to Shaiman Island. We spent several hours there just looking around and shopping a little. Then we realized that we had not brought very much money and barely had enough to get a cab back to the hotel! Shame on us for not being prepared!

Upon arrival at the hotel, we walked to Takila’s! It’s local Mexican restaurant! Can you believe it? We ate the best meal we have had since we left the US! It was expensive but so delicious. We started to really get excited about heading home to all the comforts of home. BUT mostly to our family and friends! We have missed those we love and we can’t wait to get off the plane in Charlotte.

Levi probably thinks that his new life is all about go, go, go! He must wonder if he will ever get to sit and play with toys for more that 30 minutes. We know that he is so confused. It will not be long until he gets to see his new life. It’s a life full of love and so many people who want to meet him! He just has NO idea!

God is faithful and true! You can count on it!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give

you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Day 12- Shopping on Shaiman Island/TB Results

We have the BEST news ever! We are TB free and that means that we are free to come home as soon as Levi gets his visa. We are so thankful that we are yet another step closer to being with our family. This is our third trip and has been by far the most difficult for Douglas and I to be away from our children. They are in the most capable hands of my wonderful mom but we have just missed them so much. We cannot wait to come home.

Today we were scheduled to visit the Six-Banyan Temple but we have already been there twice. We opted not to go and had a free day. (except from 1:30-2:00pm for TB results) We decided to head to Shaiman Island. This is one of my favorite places in all the world. I just love the atmosphere and the architecture. We have heard that Island was just not the same as in the years past. One of the major hotels on the Island has been closed for remodeling. (After seeing it today, I would say remodel is NOT the right word! They have gutted the entire building down to concrete supports.) Therefore, the traffic on the Island has changed tremendously. There are more shops open now that in July of 2011! YES, the Island is quiet and not very crowded but the made it more endearing to me. The people that own the shops are obviously in hard times and have raised the prices. I assume that is the whole supply and demand issue! I have a wonderful few hours and will be going back tomorrow to spend more time shopping and strolling around! It’s so peaceful and just a little piece of heaven for me.

We were back in the hotel room by 1:30 and prayed that our guide did NOT call us with the bad news of TB! He did not call and we were thanking God for his watch care of that situation. Then we all took a much needed nap!

At 5:50, we left for the infamous Riverboat cruise. It was a great experience. We have wanted to go on the cruise for about four years. The food was terrible but our Levi thought it was GREAT! He ate more than his fair share. He also loved the wind flowing through his short little hair. He seemed to be loving the time on the river. Douglas and I tried to take some pictures but honestly we had our hands full making sure he did not go overboard. The cruise ended with a lady doing some balance tricks, juggling and dancing. It was a very nice evening that we shared with several other adoptive families. We are thankful for our hotel beds by 10:00pm when we got back. This hard bed never felt so good! Two more sleeps until I can sleep in my own bed! Praise the LORD!!!

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“You are my God, and I will praise you;

you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.”

Psalm 118:28 & 29

Day 11- Safari Park

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We spent our entire day in  the Guangzhou Safari Park. We had visited the zoo in 2011 when we were here to bring home Hannah Li. The park had really changed so much. They have added three large exhibits and we could tell they are continuing to build. The animals were mostly the same but they added a snake and dinosaur exhibit. Levi enjoyed the animals but we can tell he has a fear of animals. This is a little concerning being that we have a dog. He watched all that was going on in the zoo but never really had any major reactions. He is definitely a laid back kind of kid! The weather was VERY warm and after about five hours in the sun, we were ready for a break. We spent a little time in the room and then headed to dinner with friends. They took us to a local Chinese restaurant. I ordered noodles and veggies. Doug ordered rice and pork. My noodles were good but very spicy. They never brought Doug’s food. It was so weird. We kept asking for it and they would say okay but finally we just told them to cancel it because everyone was ready to go. I felt really bad for him. We had eaten breakfast but nothing else but ice cream at the Park. I know he had to be hungry but he did not complain once!

I want to add a little to this post about the “real story” behind our little guy. I have read hundreds of adoption travel blogs over the past six years or so. I am always amazed when I follow a families journey and EVERYTHING is perfect the entire time. I am baffled because I know in reality everything cannot be perfect. Children who have a beginning in hard places are in need of patience and understanding. It is obvious to Doug and I that Levi has not been outside of the four walls of the orphanage very often. I am sure they played outside but his experience and knowledge of the outside world is very limited. He has been hungry and that has manifest itself in him picking up every piece of food that drops on the floor or food he sees on the ground outside and trying to eat it. He is needy for attention and is not 100% ready to give and receive love. He wants us to hold him but does not really want us to kiss him. He lets us hug him but does not hug back. He has spent many hours entertaining himself. He has many quirky movements and sounds that we are sure were forms of self-entertainment. He can make a game out of a napkin! Seriously! I am not telling you this to make you feel sorry for him but just to let you know that our journey to Levi is NOT perfect. I want to be honest and truthful!  However, he is our son! He is a precious child of God! I want to have a written record of him now so I can look back in the months and years to come and see how far he has come. We are honored to be able to love him and show him the difference that being part of a family can make! No adoption journey is perfect but the rewards are life changing! The joy of watching the changes and the treasure of introducing him to Jesus is more wonderful than I can articulate.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:

 to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep

oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

Day 10- More Paperwork and Nanling Park

Levi’s Medical Exam was the first item on our agenda today. The clinic has been moved off of Shaiman Island and is now located very close to the Garden Hotel. The clinic is so much bigger than before and in a very nice space. They even have AIR CONDITIONING! Imagine that! If you have been here….you know that is HUGE! Our visit went as well as you would expect. Levi was very tolerant of the Doctors and Nurses poking and prodding. He did not cooperate on the eye exam but I do believe he did not totally understand what they wanted him to do. Our guide in Nanchang told us that he speaks the local dialect version on Mandarin. Therefore understanding traditional Mandarin could be hard. Or it is possible that he decided not to cooperate. I would not put that past him. He does have a mind of his own at timesJDuring the Medical exam; they take blood work to verify that he is TB free. This is the next item that needs YOUR prayers! No news is good news and that is what we need…NO NEWS! We are not even going to entertain the “what if’s” at this point!

Merry Christmas in June:)

Wine vending machine. You can get the entire bottle! This is a first for me:)

Then we returned to the hotel and our guide told us to take a break in our rooms and one parent to meet on the 30^th executive floor to do paperwork. He asked us to have a break and meet him in 15 minutes. What? A 15 minute break? I needed longer to recover from the medical. But I hurried to my room, organized my paperwork and off to the 30^th floor I ran! The paperwork was so easy….I got the China side of the paperwork down! Easy! (Now to make the state side easier-that would be an act of Congress…literally!)

One hour later, we were off to Nanling Park! It was a large park and was packed today! Today is a holiday in China…..insert laughter….It’s Children’s day! The park was full of families and activities for children. While it was very hot, we did enjoy the history of herbal tea shop and listening to a gentleman play these small wooden flutes! Due to the holiday, all the little girls were dressed in their finest dresses! Levi rode in a stroller because he still wonders off from us. We had to buy yet another stroller from China (three time now;) just to make sure we did lose him.

** Note: The large white carving is made from camel bone! Ick!

We were stuck in rush hour traffic on the way home but it was nice to talk to a new friend I met via a mutual friend. She is here adopting a precious little boy. His laughter is contagious! We enjoyed our time getting to know her and gleaning from her experience as an adoptive mom!

After arriving at the hotel, we decided to go to dinner with two other families quickly and then come back to hotel to CRASH! At dinner, we got to meet my friend Mary Margaret’s three boys! After all these months of friendship, I finally met her entire family! All three boys are handsome! It was great to spend time with them and get to know their newest addition!

Levi’s first Starbucks!

Needless to say…a day FULL! But a day full of blessing too! It does my heart good to see so many families, in our hotel, that are providing families to the fatherless! I want to keep count and post the number on my facebook page! If you know me, I always like to post “One less” when a child meets their forever family. It’s too many to keep track of…but I would just LOVE to post …..”100 less!”  (just guessing at that number!)

What a mighty God we serve! Douglas and I have been adopted into the family of God! We did NOT deserve it! But God paid a HUGE ransom for our lives…..He traded His life for ours! That’s the reason we are willing to pay a ransom for the lives of these children! It’s been done for us. It’s the very heart of God to care for orphans! It’s not easy but oh the reward in our lives. They bring us joy unspeakable! We hear over and over… you have too many kids! …how do you afford so many?…what about college?…in a joking manner people continually make fun of our large crew! But we count it a privilege to parent each child! We have the best news on earth to share with them. We don’t have all the answers but we are best friends with ONE who does! That’s how we do it! We DON’T! God DOES!

“Yes, Barley, it’s okay,” she said.  “Some families look alike and others don’t. All families

are different. What makes a family is their love for each other!”

I Wished for You by Marianne Richmond

Day 9- Min Temple and Travel to Guangzhou

The Min Temple was yet another building with exquisite architecture and beautiful scenery but all designed and created for a false god. It is hard for me to walk through these buildings without quoting scripture in my mind.  It makes me so thankful for the freedom I have in Christ. My prayers are continually for the lost people of this country.

Our flight was very exciting because it was Levi’s first flight. He was so brave considering he was experiencing so much at one time. He sat quietly and looked out the window with Douglas. He enjoyed seeing the plane soaring above the clouds. When they served dinner, it was beef noodles and our boy was so happy! He ate hardily and wanted more. Douglas and I both choose not to eat our meal but were fearful for Levi to eat too much at one time.

We arrived quickly at Guangzhou Airport. Our guide, Elvin, was right there to meet us with a sign that said…”Huber Family- Bay Area Adoption”! It was so nice to be greeted by a smiling face. He then informed us that we were waiting for another family to arrive. It is so nice to meet other adoptive families. It’s just nice to talk to others that understand the call and the impact it makes on your life. It’s also great to glean information from others’ experience. Douglas and I had to laugh at being called veterans in the adoption community. We feel so unworthy of that because we know so many families that have been doing this longer and with many more children that we are. We only hope to bring God glory in our journey to build our family!

When we arrived at the Garden Hotel, we were amazed. We WERE totally White Swan people in the past! We had to choose another hotel due to remodeling. But this place is amazing. It’s the nicest hotel we have ever seen! AMAZING, folks!  We checked-in the room and fell in the bed!

Levi is doing better each day. He is learning more and adjusting to all the new things he sees and hears. He’s defiantly over-loaded! He has a long journey ahead….but he has a family that loves him! We know that love will go a long way!

Psalm 68:5-6 –

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-
this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
God places the lonely in families;
he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land

Hello From Guangzhou!!

We are here! We had an easy day of travel!

Our schedule is VERY busy!

I will post ASAP!

 

Love you all!

Day 8- The People’s Park

The People’s Park was a beautiful family park. It was full of large trees that provided so much shade. The flowers, unique pavers, rock formations and birds singing made for such a peaceful morning. The park also had a mini amusement park, exercise equipment and a play ground. We enjoyed the quiet and relaxed atmosphere in the midst of a big city. Nanchang had a lot of rain last night, so the park was virtually empty. It was a great change of pace for our family. It was just what a soul’s needed to be surrounded by God’s beautiful creation! What an amazing time to praise Him for his glorious works!

After the park, our guide suggested a local restaurant for lunch. It was good food but so crowded! The service was not speedy so our little guy was over the entire lunch before it even began.

We headed back to the hotel for the day after lunch. We spent the afternoon in our room just getting to know Levi a little better. He had a great day. We have learned that he did NOT like to ride the child-sized rollercoaster in the amusement park. It went slow but he was not a fan. He did LOVE the exercise equipment and he was so balanced and coordinated. He did have two small melt downs. One was over the ride and the second was over being told NO again. He definitely wants to have his own way all the time. He is such a pleasant and happy child. We are feeling so blessed and thankful for the gift of this precious child.

We visit another Temple tomorrow:( morning and then our flight leaves Nanchang for Guangzhou at 5:30 pm. The day will be full but we are thrilled to be heading to Guangzhou. It’s one of our favorite places in China! It also means that we will be on the last leg of our journey to bring Levi home. In addition,  we are on step closer to being home and hugging those five faces we see on Skype each day. We miss them like CRAZY! My post could be delayed tomorrow so no one start to worry if you do not hear from us! We will post from Guangzhou as soon as possible!

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**Two pictures of Mini-Grace…..for YOU Emma Grace!

**Two pictures for you Dana! Remember over three years ago when we finally held our girls in this room! Doug and I had to find it one more time. It brought back all the emotions of that wonderful day!

“My friends, adoption is redemption. It’s costly, outrageous, expensive,

excruciating & exhausting. Buying back lives costs so much. When God set

out to redeem us, it killed him.”
~Derek Loux

Day 7 – Free Day

 

This is the happy little guy that we wake up to each morning!

 

 

He is full of personality!

 

We got dressed and ready to start our day! (Our future’s so bright, we gotta wear shades:)

 

 

This Chinese boarding school is right outside our hotel window!

We decided that we did not need a tour guide and that we would act as our own tour guides for the day. So we headed off to the Tengwang Pavilion and then the Shengjin Tower.

 

 

 

Then we headed off for Lunch/Dinner-nothing new..Papa John’s again! UUGGHH! Mini-Grace was waiting

for Emma Grace to wake up and call on Skype.

And Levi finished his evening with some noodles. Now this boy can eat some noodles in no time flat! So funny!

 

On a sad note. Our little guy had his first melt down tonight. He was actually being naughty and I corrected his behavior. He got very upset and started to cry. I guess once the tears started flowing, he released all the grieving of the past three day. It was heart breaking. I hated to see him like that but honestly I do believe it is better for him to grieve than keep it bottled up inside. He calmed down after about 10 minutes and then went to sleep quickly!

“Little Fox smiled and then thought for a moment. “Mama, will you be my forever mama?

“Always and Forever and no matter what.” She promised. “This is where you belong.

Here, with me, my sweet child. You are mine. The best gift in the whole wide world.

I will always love you and treasure you and celebrate the day you came, the day God Found us you!”

 

 

 

Day 6- Shopping?

We started our day with breakfast…the same one…one egg, two pieces of toast and an Asian apple pear! I am thankful for good food but I may never eat these foods again when I return home! 6 days and counting of the same food:) (No flaming me….I know some people don’t have any food!) Levi ate like a champ. He had noodles, watermelon, cantaloupe, eggs. It’s hard to believe but he prefers a spoon and fork to chopsticks. I will admit he gets the food in his mouth anyway possible. I am not sure we should frequent fine dining anytime soon:) (HA!)

Our guide asked us to meet her at 10:00am to do some shopping. So, if you know anything about shopping in China, you know that I was so excited about walking through the local markets and buying some local goods. I made a list of people I needed to shop for (mainly five sweet faces from home) and then packed by backpack for the day. As we walked, I told our guide that we had made our way to the local Wal-Mart the night before. She stopped and looked at me and said, “So you already shop?” UUGGHH….she changed directions and then entered the local RT Mart. (Same concept as Wal-Mart) We walked around the store aimlessly. There was nothing there that we had not seen the evening before. We picked up just a few items and then were on our way- BACK to the hotel! Our day was over with the guide…..and we were on our own for the next 48 hours! She informed us that we had a day of rest the next day. “Free day!” she said.

So for the rest of the day, we played in the hotel room. Needless to say, it was a long afternoon. We played every game I could think of and with every toy I packed! We were all a little stir crazy. I am sure some of you are thinking that we should visit the hotel pool. Well, we would love to! BUT…Levi is so tiny that just as soon as you put him in the bathtub he starts to shiver and lips turn blue! The pool is inside and not heated. We do not think it’s a great idea for him to get so cold. We are hoping that the next hotel has an outside pool.

Our time spent with Levi allowed us to see a little more of his personality. He’s such a sweet boy. He loves to walk holding both our hands. He gets very upset if one of us drops his hand. He does have a few “bad” habits. He likes to throw toys. I mean random, out-of-the-blue, for no reason at all! He also like to open, shut, touch, feel, click, move, shake, push, pull EVERYTHING! I KNOW this is just curiosity but let’s be honest….it keeps us on our toes! He has started to repeat many words we say to him. He is just repeating and not using them on his yet! I am sure in time, when he gets around two certain four year old girls, he will start to talk for survival!!

Pray for our “Free Day” tomorrow. Nanchang just is not the type of city that you can stroll down to the local park and play outside for a while! Maybe we will find something to do outside of the four walls of this hotel.

Mini-Grace does McDonalds……Yuck…McDonald’s again!

Check out the OREOS….Double flavors in the middle? Have you seen these in the States?

Just hangin’ out with my Daddy!

He’s a Huber! A San Diego Charger fan ALREADY!(****NOTE: These pictures are for Daddy,  Mac and Uncle Tom!!!)

 

“You are my God, and I will praise you;   you are my God, and I will exalt you.

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  his love endures forever.”

Psalm 118:28, 29